SAINTS are confident of signing Mohammed Salisu – but won’t be starting on any of the formalities until the season ends.

The club’s 2019/20 campaign will finish at home to Sheffield United on Sunday, with the summer transfer window opening the following day.

Central defender Salisu has been heavily linked with a move to the south coast and is a player Saints have been tracking.

He’s said to have a £10.9million release clause in his Real Valladolid contract, meaning it would be a simple transaction for the St Mary’s hierarchy.

The Daily Echo’s led to believe that discussions between the parties are progressing in a positive manner.

However, it could take around a week to for the deal to be completed once the season comes to an end.

The Ghanaian has played 32 times for the La Liga side this campaign and has scored once.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has highlighted his defence as the area that needs improving during this summer’s transfer window.

Saints are also keen on signing a new right back after Cedric’s departure to Arsenal back in January.

Kyle Walker-Peters joined on loan from Tottenham to help fill the void and, since Project Restart, has been a key player for the Austrian’s side.

Spurs are still hopeful of landing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and are aware that the midfielder’s preference is to join them.

He has just under a year left on his St Mary’s deal and made it clear he won’t be signing a new one.

Everton had a £25million bid accepted for the Danish international, with the Daily Echo being led to believe Hojbjerg has visited their Finch Farm training base and agreed personal terms.

However, it’s said that the 24-year-old is hopeful Tottenham can come to an agreement with Saints so that he can make the switch to north London.

But, as it stands, Jose Mourinho’s side are yet to come close to matching what Everton have offered in terms of a bid.